4. Read to him and read with him. One of the most significant things that parents can do for their sons is to foster a love for reading. Our post, “Another Reason to Encourage Your Son to Read,” contains a summary of research on this important strategy.

6. Make sure he has examples of good men who are powerful because of their brains, their determination, and their integrity. This one is so important that the White House is promoting nationwide initiatives. Read about it in our blog post, “The White House Council on Boys and Men.”

21. Give him something to release his energy. Our post, “Your Son’s Weight and Antisocial Behavior” speaks to the many benefits of exercise and good nutrition. Ignoring this may mean a multitude of health and emotional problems for him.

20. Let his dad teach him how to do things. Mothers don’t do things the way that men do them, but we need to allow the “father figure” in our sons’ lives to teach them. They learn best how to become men from other men.